I wish that I could say that my cyber-silence of the past month or so was due to something important like my being busy writing the next great American novel or being engaged in the saving of the planet, but, alas, we've just been plain busy around here and blogging has been one of those things that has gone by the wayside. I know how disappointed I am when I repeatedly check friends' blogs for updates and there aren't any :), so this is an attempt to assuage anyone's disappointment in not hearing the latest and greatest from the McLaughlins.
We had a very nice Christmas here at home with the girls. Mark's sister and her family recently moved nearby and it was fun to spend time with them. Then we enjoyed spending time with Mark's parents when they came into town a week later. Mark enjoyed going to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to see the Utes (still a true blue BYU fan, though) with his Dad, brother-in-law, and nephew, and we both enjoyed an overnight get-away in downtown Houston (thanks to the McLaughlins for watching the girls!).
Poor Mark has been working long hours (we live for our weekends around here!), but fortunately, he is loving his job. We've been trying to get back into a routine since the holidays (it seems to have taken longer this year) and the girls have been fighting off minor ailments. I am finally done with this year's round of graduate school application essay reviews which has kept me quite busy and we loved having my mom visit for 10 days to help us get our house in better shape (she's a genius, but more about that later). Hopefully my dad can come next time!
This past weekend we had a great visit with my sister Jennifer and her kids who drove down from Dallas. The kids had so much fun making a fort on the back patio with old furniture boxes and did a great job of even letting the "little kids" help decorate them. I enjoyed introducing Jennifer to the wonders of IKEA.
The girls are as busy and imaginative as ever. Tonight Millie fashioned herself an "apron" out of a ribbon and undershirt (I know, very interesting combination) and wore it over her nightgown because she wanted to be Abby's servant (we have very plebian tastes here -- don't seem to aim too high). She relished putting toothpaste on Abby's toothbrush for her, helping her on with her nightgown, etc. This, of course, suited Abby just fine since she is more than willing to let anyone do anything for her -- especially chores and the like. Jane is growing and is beginning to exhibit a few of the typical terrible two behaviors and an iron will. Good thing she's so darn cute!
The girls on Christmas morning.
Millie with her Felicity doll. She especially loved her panda bear and stuffed pony from Grandma. It was cute, before talking to each set of grandparents she double-checked to make sure she was straight with what each had given her so that she could thank them.
Abby with her Nellie doll. Abby is so precious with this doll. She takes such great care of her, puts her down for naps, "feeds" her, and changes her into her nightgown every night before putting her down in the doll cradle. She's such a nurturing little soul!
We had a very nice Christmas here at home with the girls. Mark's sister and her family recently moved nearby and it was fun to spend time with them. Then we enjoyed spending time with Mark's parents when they came into town a week later. Mark enjoyed going to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to see the Utes (still a true blue BYU fan, though) with his Dad, brother-in-law, and nephew, and we both enjoyed an overnight get-away in downtown Houston (thanks to the McLaughlins for watching the girls!).
Poor Mark has been working long hours (we live for our weekends around here!), but fortunately, he is loving his job. We've been trying to get back into a routine since the holidays (it seems to have taken longer this year) and the girls have been fighting off minor ailments. I am finally done with this year's round of graduate school application essay reviews which has kept me quite busy and we loved having my mom visit for 10 days to help us get our house in better shape (she's a genius, but more about that later). Hopefully my dad can come next time!
This past weekend we had a great visit with my sister Jennifer and her kids who drove down from Dallas. The kids had so much fun making a fort on the back patio with old furniture boxes and did a great job of even letting the "little kids" help decorate them. I enjoyed introducing Jennifer to the wonders of IKEA.
The girls are as busy and imaginative as ever. Tonight Millie fashioned herself an "apron" out of a ribbon and undershirt (I know, very interesting combination) and wore it over her nightgown because she wanted to be Abby's servant (we have very plebian tastes here -- don't seem to aim too high). She relished putting toothpaste on Abby's toothbrush for her, helping her on with her nightgown, etc. This, of course, suited Abby just fine since she is more than willing to let anyone do anything for her -- especially chores and the like. Jane is growing and is beginning to exhibit a few of the typical terrible two behaviors and an iron will. Good thing she's so darn cute!
The girls on Christmas morning.
Millie with her Felicity doll. She especially loved her panda bear and stuffed pony from Grandma. It was cute, before talking to each set of grandparents she double-checked to make sure she was straight with what each had given her so that she could thank them.
Abby with her Nellie doll. Abby is so precious with this doll. She takes such great care of her, puts her down for naps, "feeds" her, and changes her into her nightgown every night before putting her down in the doll cradle. She's such a nurturing little soul!On Christmas Eve, as we were trying to have a spiritual family devotional, Mark asked, "Who knows what the Christmas tree is for?" Abby replied, "For putting presents under!"
Jane loved her new kitchen and has been "cooking" ever since.
Jane and Grandma McLaughlin at the zoo.
Watching the giraffes with the Craner cousins.
With the Craner cousins at the zoo.
Having a picnic in the fort with the Oldroyd cousins.
Abby's self-portrait at playgroup today.
Jane loved her new kitchen and has been "cooking" ever since.
Jane and Grandma McLaughlin at the zoo.
Watching the giraffes with the Craner cousins.
With the Craner cousins at the zoo.
Having a picnic in the fort with the Oldroyd cousins.
Abby's self-portrait at playgroup today.
2 comments:
You made my day...so nice to see you blogging again! Also nice to see that you are doing well in Houston. Sure do miss you here.
It's about time! I missed your blog. :)
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